Preview: Ladysmith Black Mambazo

Thursday

Feb 2, 2012 at 12:01 AMFeb 2, 2012 at 1:35 AM

We have Paul Simon to thank for a lot of great music, but not just his own. When he asked South African a cappella group Ladysmith Black Mambazo to perform on his 1986 album "Graceland," he introduced the talented musicians to a global audience.

We have Paul Simon to thank for a lot of great music, but not just his own. When he asked South African a cappella group Ladysmith Black Mambazo to perform on his 1986 album “Graceland,” he introduced the talented musicians to a global audience.

Since the 1960s, the all-male ensemble has been singing a style of traditional South African music that began among Zulu migrant workers, many of whom toiled long hours in mines. The soulful music envelops listeners in rich harmonies. Hearing Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s round, warm tones at the Southern on Wednesday night will do more to sooth the body and mind than a massage ever could.